Search

Search only in certain items:

The City of Brass: Daevabad Trilogy
The City of Brass: Daevabad Trilogy
S.A. Chakraborty | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.6 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Interesting start to the series
This was a really colourful and deep entrance to a new fantasy series by a debut author. I read this in a combination of paperback and audio, both were enjoyable. The cast of characters are many with three main contenders that each had me completely interested.

This is a fairly long and complex tale, with the occasional confusing moment that had me switching off audio to refer to the book and names of characters/magic/tribes. The index of these definitions of words was hugely helpful.

The story is full of intrigue, battles, magic, faiths, warring factions, desire and family. Nahri, a lowly girl with special abilities finds herself transported to a city of six dijinn tribes by a very powerful dijinn. Friendships, allegiances and wariness are formed as Nahri finds herself to be special and revered if she can only prove herself. The friendships are strong and central, whilst the budding romances on multiple fronts are subtle. So much happens and life is totally turned upside down by the end. The story is told from multiple POV.

I will definitely by reading the rest of the series, but I suspect the complexity will mean a re-read so that I can pick up book two. I highly recommend the audio, with superb narration.
  
Levkaseon (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #0.5)
Levkaseon (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #0.5)
Sarah Westill | 2021 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LEVKASEON is a prequel novella to the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series that gives an insight into the HRS and dust addictions that are rampant in this world. Tied in nicely with that is the relationship between Ciarra and Terran. They had a young love tested too soon by someone Ciarra thought she could trust. Not only that, but it turns out, they had much more to do with the current state of affairs than Ciarra would have dreamed possible.

Once again, there is a great mix of steamy romance and intrigue, paving the way for the story to unfold and draw you into it. The characters are fully dimensional, with their quirks and foibles.

This is definitely a series to read and enjoy, to lose yourself within the pages. I am loving how each story is individual whilst continuing with the general theme. I would love to see more of the characters where they are all in the same place, but that's just me.

A great addition to the series, and one absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated A Rogue’s Company in Books

Jun 7, 2025 (Updated Jun 7, 2025)  
A Rogue’s Company
A Rogue’s Company
Allison Montclair | 2021 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Good Novel, but Not Good Mystery
It’s August 1946, and Lord Bainbridge has returned from his latest trip to Africa. That means that Gwen’s life has once again turned complicated as she attempts to wrestle her life back from her father-in-law. Lord Bainbridge is insisting that Gwen’s six-year-old son is ready to attend the boarding school that the Bainbridge men attend, and she doesn’t have custody to stop him. Can she figure out how to get control of her life back?

Those following this series will be absolutely hooked by this storyline. I was anxious to see how it was going to play out. But this is a mystery series, and the mystery was lacking, starting too late with some key elements feeling forced or rushed. Don’t worry, Gwen’s business partner, Iris Sparks, gets plenty of page time and some nice development, and all the usual supporting players are here. We also get the usual banter that makes me laugh. The paperback I bought recently contains a bonus short story that I feel like was pieced together from a subplot in the previous book, but I don’t remember for sure. While the mystery may have been weak, fans will still be glad they picked up this book. I’ll be continuing on with the series soon.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated Shady Hollow in Books

Oct 3, 2025 (Updated Oct 3, 2025)  
Shady Hollow
Shady Hollow
Juneau Black | 2022 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Not Bad, but Didn’t Quite Work For Me
Welcome to the village of Shady Hollow, a place where woodland creatures live in peace and harmony. That is, until someone kills Otto, a toad. Vera Vixen, a fox and reporter for the local paper, is on the case. But can she figure out who committed the crime?

When I heard about this series, I had to give the book a chance since it sounded creative and fun. The book’s omniscient narration took a little for me to adjust to, but once I did, it worked okay. It did give the book a slower start than I would have liked, but the mystery was decent once it got going. And I liked the characters. While I found the idea of these characters living side by side and interacting fun, it does take some buying into this world, something I was ready to do. I did feel the authors could have done a more creative job of creating their world, or at least that’s what I was expecting. My biggest hang up was the idea of interspecies romance. I realize that’s a me thing, but it is enough that I won’t be returning to the series. Others love it, so if this intrigues you, by all means, give the series a chance.